Belle Epoque Turquoise, Pearl and Ruby Owl's Head Stick Pin in 18ct Yellow Gold

A striking French owl’s head stick pin from the Belle Epoque period. This intricate and expertly crafted 18ct yellow gold jewel is composed of summer sky blue cabochon turquoise, lustrous seed pearls and cabochon rubies. This supremely elegant stick pin was designed to take pride of place on the lapel of a jacket. Owls featured widely in jewellery designs during this period, and were associated with wisdom, knowledge and protection. Frequently presented to mark special occasions by relatives and loved ones, stick pins were often sentimental and highly treasured. The Russian Tsar Nicholas II (1868-1917) received countless numbers, which were all meticulously recorded in watercolours in a comprehensive jewel album.